Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday led the nation in paying tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 120th birth anniversary and saluted his valour during the freedom struggle.

"I salute Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. His valour played a major role in freeing India from colonialism," Modi said after paying homage to India's iconic leader in parliament.

"Bose was a great intellectual who always thought about the interests and well-being of the marginalised sections of society," said the Prime Minister.

He also expressed his gratitude for getting the opportunity to fulfil people's decades long demand of declassifying files related to Bose's life.

Beginning January 23 last year, the Modi government has so far released over 303 classified files on Netaji.

The declassified files are available on http://www.netajipapers.gov.in. 

Paying tribute, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said Netaji was an "icon of the freedom struggle, and his courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit remain an inspiration".

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah said: "I bow to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a phenomenal freedom fighter, an exceptional leader and a brave son of Mother India on his anniversary."

Among others who paid tributes were union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Smriti Irani and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.